A survey of the carrion fauna was made at two sites in Curitiba, State of
Parana, with the objective of describing the insects associated with
carrion and setting up a preliminary data-base for medico-legal purposes in
south Brazil. Vertebrate exclusion experiments were carried out in each
season between 1994 and 1995 with a 250 g laboratory-bred rat (Rattus
norvegicus). Five stages of decomposition were identified: fresh, bloated,
decaying, dry and adipocere-like. Some species showed seasonal and site
preference and so could be used to identify the probable place and season
where death took place. Sarconesia chlorogaster (Diptera, Calliphoridae)
was restricted to an open field site and to cooler months. Hemilucilia
semidiaphana (Diptera, Calliphoridae) and Pattonella resona (Diptera,
Sarcophagidae) were restricted to the forest site and warmer months.
Phaenicia eximia (Diptera, Calliphoridae) and Oxyletrum discicolle
(Coleoptera, Silphidae) were present at both sites throughout the year and
could be useful for population level analysis. Dissochaetus murray
(Coleoptera, Cholevidae) was present throughout the year at the forest site
and was associated with the adipocere-like stage. Ants played an important
role producing post-mortem injuries to the carcasses. Insects of 32 species
are reported as being useful in community level approaches.
